FCC Importer Data Requirements Unclear for 2016's Second Half, Intel Says

Data collection requirements for importers of FCC-regulated goods are unclear for June-December next year, Intel told members of the commission's Office of Engineering and Technology in a Thursday meeting, the company said in a filing posted the next day in docket 15-170. The FCC recently said it plans to waive its Form 740 certification requirements for RF devices imported between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2016 (see 1510190056). Intel "recommended that the FCC not require collection or reporting of the information contained in Form 740 either during or after this period" and should rely on existing Customs and Border Protection processes for the data collection. The company "stressed importers should have the flexibility to manage their own records and develop internal controls for monitoring noncompliant devices." Industry responses on doing away with Form 740 were largely positive, though Boeing noted it considers the government collections of the information to be a useful compliance tool (see 1510140028). The company also supported FCC-proposed changes to rules for approval and certification of RF devices (see 1412310022). Intel recommended the FCC continue work to accommodate new technologies and "define conditions and certification methods to allow approved modular radios to be used irrespective of the end host," which would benefit the IoT industry.